No one wants to take the lead for permanent structured cooperation

(BRUSSELS2) The first meeting - held on permanent structured cooperation - in Madrid in March 2010 showed little enthusiasm on the part of the Member States vis-à-vis this novelty of the Lisbon Treaty. It's the least we can say !

Everyone was present. But few States have expressed themselves in detail. Or rather those who have done so have expressed above all their distrust of any excessively marked initiative by certain Member States (follow my gaze). Ireland in particular has stepped up to the plate. Quite paradoxically, because this country participates in almost all military operations. A very political position no doubt: we remember that this theme figured prominently during the referendum campaign on the Lisbon Treaty. And politicians must express their rejection of any militarization of the PESDC. Slovakia, too, expressed mistrust, making itself the "defender" of the small countries by fearing a board of the "big ones". We were thus careful during this first round, which was mainly observation, to put forward some concrete ideas, even worse,... daring! Spain, which chaired the meeting and reported on it at a new meeting of directors of defense policy held in Brussels on 13 and 14 April, therefore remains very cautious in its conclusions (a three-page document barely).

Some basic principles to respect, not really exciting

Several principles were thus highlighted to frame future work:

- adaptability: the CFSP - as enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty must be adapted to the present circumstances (in other words: it is perhaps no longer completely adapted to its original design);

- added value: it must provide added value (otherwise there is no question of repeating what has already been done at national level or by other organisations);

- a double objective: the PeSDC has two objectives, the improvement of the availability and the durability of the forces projected in operation and to have a development of the industrial capacities (double operational and industrial objective is recalled);

- playing collectively: the PeSDC is a unified framework for cooperation whose objectives must be defined collectively. It is the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in its "defense" format, which is the appropriate instrument to conduct the PeSDC (in other words, there is no question of rebuilding other structures);

- include everyone: there are some apprehensions from the "small" Member States of being excluded from the PeSDC. The two-speed concept is not desirable. An "inclusive" approach is appropriate for its development.

- the PeSDC should be flexible enough to adapt to the needs of the CFSP.

These principles - as we can see - are more like lines of defence. We are rather in a rather conservative position — "we must not, we cannot, we must not" than in a constructive dynamic. Few States have expressed specific proposals, or even proposals at all. " It is explicable for a first round; willing states wait a bit before advancing their views “, Considers an expert on this file. Spain should hasten to "pass the baby" on to the next Belgian presidency (from 1 July).

 No political leadership either on the side of the Member States or on the side of the High Representative

The Spaniards notice it, very diplomatically “ It was not clear which countries would be willing to take on and push the process. The moment cannot be considered ripe enough to make immediate decisions. » do they recognize It is necessary to continue working and to hold other meetings, if possible under the authority of the High Representative. It is necessary to include this subject on the agenda of the Luxembourg Foreign Affairs Council (April 26). »

Only a decisive political impetus will in fact save Structured Cooperation from the miasma surrounding it. As the Spanish document concludes, not without irony “ This would give the High Representative the opportunity to present her positions and ideas”. For the moment, it remains very discreet.

The only commendable initiative, several countries (France, Belgium, Hungary) have worked together to prepare a common document. A salutary initiative because the points of view of each other are very far apart. Explanations to follow...